ABSTRACT
Mini-grids are regarded as the technology that shall equitably realize the last mile connectivity through a blinding pace. In this paper, the authors investigated the socio-economic impact of mini grid adoption on the rural communities which was undertaken through a review of literature on the existing large scale mini grids in Uganda. Simultaneously, the benefits, challenges and opportunities of mini-grid development in the country were also assessed. Among the fourteen mini grids currently operational in the country, five case studies based on three typical technology types i.e. solar, hydro and biomass were reviewed. The results showed increasing costs per kilowatt in the order of hydro, solar and biomass technologies corresponding to $0.11-0.18, $0.19-0.28 and $0.28 respectively. Secondly, that households in tiers 1-2 were the main beneficiaries as opposed to commercial customers and lastly that the prospects of stimulating productive uses of energy shall inevitably impact rural development in Uganda positively.
